Falcons Bring Back Mike Johnson For One More Year

The Atlanta Falcons announced today that guard Mike Johnson had agreed to a one-year extension. Johnson’s rookie contract had expired at the end of the 2013 season and he was set to hit unrestricted free agency tomorrow afternoon at 4 p.m. Eastern. Johnson missed all of the 2013 season with a dislocated ankle and broken leg that he suffered early in training camp. Terms of his deal were undisclosed.

Johnson was poised to start at right tackle this past season until he was sidelined with the injury. He was initially a third-round draft pick by the Falcons in 2010 out of Alabama and was slated to play guard. He was inactive for every game as a rookie and spent the bulk of the 2011 season on injured reserve. He then moved to right tackle in 2012, and spent that season playing primarily as the team’s sixth offensive lineman and blocking tight end. In four seasons, Johnson has logged just one start and 18 total appearances. His return adds valuable depth and a potential competitor for a starting position at right guard or right tackle for the Falcons.